Covid-19 Level 5 Update - December 22nd 2020
Athletics Ireland / Sport Ireland Covid-19 Level 5 Update
December 22nd 2020
Athletics Ireland Update 22nd December 2020
Ireland is moving to Level 5 from the 24th December 2020
Training and matches
No training or matches should take place, with the following exceptions:
Non-contact training in pods of up to 15 may take place outdoors
Professional, elite sports, horse-racing and greyhound racing are permitted to continue behind closed doors
All other training activities should be individual only.
News / Editorial
Republic of Ireland now has fastest Covid incidence rate in European Union - Dr. Holohan (Dec 23rd)
Ireland's Covid-19 Cases Dec 2020
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said the Republic of Ireland now had the fastest growing incidence rate in the European Union. “Unfortunately, none of the indicators of this disease are showing encouraging signs”
That was on Wed Dec 24th, when Ireland reported 922 cases for the previous 24 hours. In the three days since then, rates have increased dramatically, with 938 cases on Christmas Eve, 1025 on Christmas Day and 1296 cases today
Time Trial Definition
A Time Trial is defined as a test of a competitor's individual speed over a set distance, in which competitors are separately timed.
The *VAST MAJORITY* of athletes and clubs have complied with HSE/Sport Ireland and Athletics Ireland guidelines, however a handful of individuals seem to feel that they are exempt from such restrictions, with races, involving athletes from many clubs, taking part in races involving anything up to 100 participants, along with a 'officials', and a host of supporters and spectators. Operated under the label of Time Trials, these races are largely organised via private social media groups - apparently believing that such groups are secret - The trouble is, when two or more people know something, it's no longer a secret. And if it's run in a very public place - like the Marina/Monahan Road - even early in the morning - you may as well advertise it on the front page of the Echo.
The vast majority are complying, in groups of 15 max., and confining runs to club members, as per guidelines and even organising proper individual time trials. These runs ARE covered by Athletics Ireland insurance.
The minority organising races masquerading as time trials, and involving massively in excess of the permitted 15, and with many non-club members, are NOT covered by Athletics Ireland Insurance. In addition they risk bringing the sport into disrepute...and ... God forbid that a positive Covid case is detected among them, it will do absolutely nothing to enable the sport to resume 'normal service' any time soon.
As in all non-contact sports, the prime risks come before and after the event - during the pandemic, we have seen photos & videos from these races, with handshakes, hugging and high-fives, along with 'snorting' (to clear noses) and spitting.
So......if YOU are organising, or participating, in such an event .... Please think twice about it. You won't get any thanks...or sympathy...if things go 'pear-shaped'
Athletics Ireland Covid FAQ – Level 5
1. What athletes may train during Level 5?
All elite athletes, as defined below, and school going children and young people, aged 18 years or below, may attend club training.
| From: | Elite Athletes It is important to note that protocols as they apply to each sport will be prepared and communicated directly by the respective National Governing Bodies. |
| Non-contact training for school aged children Specific guidance on non-contact training for school agreed children will be issued by Government. In the interim, the following is advised: • Underage activity refers to those in primary and secondary school who are aged 18 years and younger • Participants and coaches may travel beyond the 5km limit to attend training. Car-pooling should continue to be avoided • Outdoor facilities may open only to allow the activity to take place. Only those participating in and conducting the training session should attend. |
2. How many children may train together?
Pods of 15 including the coaches may train outdoors together socially distanced and following good hygiene etiquette.
3. How many pods are permitted in an outdoor setting?
Multiple pods may train where space allows for social distancing.
4. What is the definition of an elite athlete?
Senior international athletes are defined as elite. [This updates the previous definition as below:
| From: | Elite Athletes It is important to note that protocols as they apply to each sport will be prepared and communicated directly by the respective National Governing Bodies. |
5. May school-going children and elite athletes travel beyond the 5km limit to attend training?
Yes, they may.
6. May coaches travel beyond the 5km limit to deliver training sessions?
Yes, coaches are permitted to travel over 5km to attend club training sessions.
7. May athletes and coaches cross county boundaries?
Yes, if travelling to a club training.
8. May we use indoor facilities for training?
No, indoor facilities remain closed under level 5.
9. Must we continue using the Athletics Ireland booking app and health questionnaire before every training session?
Yes, for contact tracing purposes the booking app and the health questionnaire should be used before each training session. Link to Athletics Ireland booking app. Clubs may use their own internal booking app/questionnaire, but whichever app is used, completion of a Contact tracing / health questionnaire is mandatory.
10. May athletes and coaches cross from the six counties into the Republic?
Yes, for the purpose of delivering a club training session for school going children 18 years or younger and elite athletes.
11. Does all equipment e.g. hurdles, javelins, shots, etc., require sanitising before and after use?
Yes, the guidelines regarding sanitising equipment remain in place.
12. May adults train collectively in groups?
No, only individual training for adults is allowed.
13. May competitions or matches take place?
No, competitions or matches may not take place during level 5.
Face Coverings
Sport Ireland Release on HPSC summary update on the efficacy of visors compared with masks and face coverings
Any additional queries on the content should be raised directly with the HSPC via +353 1 8765300 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Some key recommendations include:
• In public settings, when considering the options of cloths face coverings compared with visors, expert opinion and international guidance generally favours cloth face coverings.
• There is a rationale and laboratory evidence in particular for favouring cloth face coverings over visors where the wearer is at a higher level (standing) than those potentially exposed at a lower level (sitting).
• However, there is evidence that visors do reduce exposure to droplets to a certain extent and may be an alternative in certain circumstance includingPeople with breathing difficulties
- People who are unable to remove masks/face coverings without help
- Anyone with particular needs who may feel upset or very uncomfortable wearing the mask/face covering
- In settings where people who have learning difficulties or hard of hearing or deaf are present.
• Where cloth face coverings are used, it should be of multiple layers of suitable fabric and correctly applied. Further information on the handling and care of cloth face coverings can be found here.
• Where visors are used they should cover the entire face (above the eyes to below the chin and wrap around from ear to ear) and be correctly applied. Further information on the handling and care of visors can be found here.
Athletics Ireland FAQs - July 8th 2020
Return to Activity Guidelines (Previously Issued):
Road Race Event Organiser Guidelines
Road Race Volunteer, Staff and Marshalls Guidelines
Road Race Participant Guidelines
